The race to the fantasy playoffs continued in Week 12, a week full of close games and exciting finishes. However, that excitement came at a cost. We didn't see many injuries in Week 10 and 11, but multiple fantasy-relevant players got hurt in Week 12.
Unfortunately, impactful injuries exist every week throughout an NFL season. Seeing which players are dealing with injuries and which ones aren't quite at 100% yet will go a long way if you're looking to win your fantasy leagues.
Without further ado, let's look at some injuries to watch and consider heading into Week 13. Don't forget to bookmark our fantasy football player news page, or download the free RotoBaller fantasy football mobile app with push notification alerts to stay notified.
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Brock Purdy, QB, San Francisco 49ers
The Super Bowl loser curse is no joke. We saw the Eagles go from a powerhouse to an absolute joke in the span of a few weeks last season, and the same thing is happening to the San Francisco 49ers this year.
#49ers QB Brock Purdy wanted to play Vs Packers, but after a second MRI team doctors advised that he should sit and let the shoulder rest.
Team is hoping a week of rest, will allow it to heal and Purdy can return Vs Bills. pic.twitter.com/4kfAhpFSCD
— 49ers & NFL News 24/7 (@49ersSportsTalk) November 24, 2024
Almost every single star on the Niners has suffered an injury in 2024, and last week, it was Brock Purdy's turn. Purdy popped up on the injury report with a shoulder injury before the game against the Packers, before ultimately being ruled out.
Brandon Allen couldn't do much in Purdy's place, but luckily for the 49ers, Purdy could return very soon. According to Adam Schefter, the team doesn't have "a high level of concern" and expects Purdy to be out there in Week 13 against the Buffalo Bills.
Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler, RB, Washington Commanders
The Commanders had an awesome start to the 2024 NFL season, going 7-1 after their Week 1 loss to the Buccaneers with rookie QB Jayden Daniels playing at an MVP level. However, they have been figured out since then, and have dropped three games in a row.
This usually happens with Kliff Kingsbury's offenses, and they need to be back to their best if they want to make the playoffs. To make things even harder, both of their star running backs got hurt this week against the Cowboys.
Brian Robinson Jr. suffered two ankle injuries and had to leave the game and his situation will be monitored throughout the week, while Austin Ekeler suffered a concussion that could sideline him for a week since he has to clear the league's concussion protocol.
Veteran RB Jeremy McNichols could get a big opportunity against the Titans if both stars miss the game.
Romeo Doubs, WR, Green Bay Packers
Romeo Doubs' early-season momentum was stopped due to a suspension in Week 4, and his play has been inconsistent since then. Doubs looked to bounce back after a poor showing against the Bears but suffered a concussion in Week 12.
Romeo Doubs had 3 catches yesterday.
All 3 were on 3rd down and resulted in a 1st down.
Someone is gonna have to step up for Love on Thursday assuming Doubs doesn't play.
— Eli Berkovits (@BookOfEli_NFL) November 25, 2024
Despite the injury, he still led the team in receiving yards, showing how good he can be when healthy. He'll most likely miss a week in concussion protocol, and we could see Dontayvion Wicks and Malik Heath get some chances against the Dolphins.
Ja'Tavion Sanders, TE, Carolina Panthers
After a slow start to his NFL career, rookie Panthers tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders is starting to show some real promise. The former Texas Longhorn has put up 49+ yards in four of his last six games but suffered a scary injury in Week 12.
Sanders landed on his neck after a 10-yard reception late in the first half and was taken to a local medical facility. Thankfully, it looks like he has avoided serious injury and was in the Panthers' team building on Monday.
It remains to be seen if he can play in Week 13, and Bryce Young's fantasy value will go down without a weapon like Sanders.
David Montgomery, RB, Detroit Lions
While Jahmyr Gibbs has been the best Detroit Lions RB this season, David Montgomery is still the starter and is also having a good year. He has scored 11 touchdowns so far in 2024, which included a TD against the Colts in Week 12.
He could have increased his touchdown total had it not been for a shoulder injury in that same game. Montgomery had to leave the game early, but according to ESPN's Eric Woodyard, the injury is nothing major and he is expected to play against his former team, the Chicago Bears, in Week 13.
Trevor Lawrence, QB, Jacksonville Jaguars
It's pretty much over for the Jaguars this season, but Trevor Lawrence doesn't want to go down without a fight. The former first-overall pick suffered a shoulder injury in Week 9 and was expected to miss the rest of the season.
Trevor Lawrence back at practice today.
He missed the Jags last 2 games. Doug Pederson said Trevor Lawrence would practice today and the team will make a decision later in the week about his availability. pic.twitter.com/9qCBxGf3lu
— Jamal St. Cyr (@JStCyrTV) November 25, 2024
However, Lawrence has recovered from injury and wants to play, regardless of the state of the team. Lawrence returned to practice on Monday and Doug Pederson said the team will make a decision on his availability later in the week.
If Lawrence returns in Week 13, expect Brian Thomas Jr. to have some big games during the fantasy playoffs.
Josh Downs, WR, Indianapolis Colts
This has been a frustrating season for Josh Downs. He has been the Colts' WR1 on a yards-per-game basis, but staying on the field has been difficult. Downs' injury struggles popped up once again in Week 12.
Downs suffered a shoulder injury against the Lions, and while he might have avoided a major injury, he'll likely miss some time. According to Ian Rapoport, Downs is considered week-to-week and isn't expected to play against the Patriots in Week 13.
Adonai Mitchell will look to have his breakout game if Downs misses Week 13.
Isiah Pacheco, RB, Kansas City Chiefs
Many Chiefs fans expected Isiah Pacheco to return to the field in Week 12 against the Panthers. Still, after some limited practice participation, he was ruled out by Chiefs head coach Andy Reid. It seems like the team didn't want to rush him back against a weaker opponent.
"There's a possibility that we see Hollywood Brown back on the field this season as early as Christmas."@jjones9 reports on the Kansas City Chiefs getting some much-needed reinforcements pic.twitter.com/PDksAdru3C
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) November 24, 2024
However, Reid's comments seem very promising. "He would’ve played three weeks ago if he had his choice," said Reid. Ian Rapoport reported that Pacheco is healthy enough to go, but decided to wait based on the recommendation of his coaches and trainers.
Most signs point to him returning in Week 13, but you might want to keep Kareem Hunt on your teams, in case Pacheco is ruled out again.
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